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52 Iowa 4-H'ers Receive State 4-H Project Awards

AMES, Iowa — Fifty-two Iowa 4-H’ers have been selected to receive state 4-H project awards in 2014. A total of 163 4-H youth from 52 counties applied for the awards this year, about 25 percent more than in 2013. The awards are given to youth who have exhibited mastery, leadership, communication and service in a specific project area. The 4-H’ers receiving the awards are recognized as the top in the state.

4-H projects give youth the opportunity to strengthen their skills and knowledge in a wide variety of areas ranging from communication to food and nutrition. “4-H’ers can choose from one or more project areas that allow them to develop skills and interests in the areas of healthy living, citizenship and leadership, and STEM -- science, technology, engineering and math,” said Cayla Taylor, a state 4-H program coordinator with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

“The 4-H’ers completed a rigorous written application and were interviewed, which gave the applicants valuable communication experiences,” said Taylor. “Achieving a state 4-H project award is a great honor and testament to the 4-H’ers' dedication to mastering skills in a project area, while also sharing their knowledge of the project with others through communications, leadership and citizenship opportunities.”

The recipients of this year’s awards will be recognized at the State 4-H Youth Conference during the Closing Ceremony held in Stephens Auditorium in Ames on Thursday, June 26.

Adair

Adair County 4-H’er Merritt Caviness, Greenfield, received a state 4-H science, engineering and technology project award. Caviness, 17, is the son of Randy and Janalee Caviness.

Adair County 4-H’er Heath Downing, Creston, received a state 4-H beef project award. Downing, 17, is the son of Steve and Karen Downing.

A seven-year member of 4-H, Downing has completed projects on beef, food and nutrition, swine, leadership and citizenship. He has served as president and recreation chairman of his 4-H club. Downing has participated in his county 4-H council.

“4-H has taught me leadership, time management, responsibility, and communication skills,” said Downing. “I have had the opportunity to show at many large shows and met many wonderful people over the years.”

Adair County 4-H’er Riley Lonsdale, Greenfield, received a state 4-H citizenship project award. Lonsdale, 15, is the daughter of Maureen and Martin Lonsdale.

A six-year member of 4-H, Lonsdale has completed projects on citizenship, leadership, communication, wood working and clothing. She has served as vice president, secretary and photographer of her 4-H club. Lonsdale has participated in her county 4-H council and county youth committee.

“4-H has really helped me come out of my shell and notice the things around me that need to be addressed,” said Lonsdale. “4-H has been an extremely huge influence on my life and will continue to be a large part of my life forever.”

Adair County 4-H’er Morgan Smith, Stuart, received a state 4-H communication project award. Smith, 16, is the daughter of Christine Smith.

A seven-year member of 4-H, Smith has completed projects in communications. She has served as president, treasurer and secretary of her 4-H club. Smith has participated in her county 4-H council and the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference.

“4-H has definitely helped mold me into the person I am today,” said Smith. “Because of 4-H, I am a better rounded person and I believe I’ll be able to go far with my developed skills.”

Adair County 4-H’er Hannah Yount, Greenfield, received a state 4-H horse and pony project award. Yount, 17, is the daughter of Bill Yount and Louise Convery.

A nine-year member of 4-H, Yount has completed projects on horses. She has served as president, treasurer and secretary of her 4-H club. Yount has participated in her county 4-H council.

“4-H has really helped shape me as a person,” said Yount. “I have learned responsibility, honesty, integrity and dedication from doing various activities while in 4-H. Through the 4-H program my passion for horses and the equine industry has strengthened.”

Boone

Boone County 4-H’er Madeleine Bretey, Boone, received a state 4-H sewing and needle arts project award. Bretey, 16, is the daughter of Eric and Melanie Bretey.

A six-year member of 4-H, Bretey has completed projects on sewing and needles, home improvement, photography, food and nutrition, and crop production. She has served as club treasurer, secretary, and decoration committee leader of her 4-H club. Bretey has participated in her county 4-H council and the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference.

“My 4-H experience has spurred more mature and insightful thought in situations that have stemmed from project goals that have to do with communication and leadership,” said Bretey.

Boone County 4-H’er Kenton Reece, Boone, received a state 4-H safety and education in shooting sports project award. Reece, 18, is the son of Tim and Robyn Reece.

A nine-year member of 4-H, Reece has completed projects on woodworking, clothing, food and nutrition, leadership and dog. He has served as president, vice president and junior leader of his 4-H club. Reece has participated in his county 4-H council, Citizenship-Washington Focus, the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference, state 4-H council, National 4-H Congress and the 4-H exchange program.

“I have had many experiences through 4-H that I would not have had without it,” said Reece. “I have competed in cooking competitions, traveled the U.S., helped my community, tried many project areas and met people that I will be friends with for the rest of my life.”

Boone County 4-H’er Aaliyah Scott, Pilot Mound, received a state 4-H leadership project award. Scott, 16, is the daughter of Rob Scott.

A seven-year member of 4-H, Scott has completed projects on leadership, citizenship, clothing, cattle and sheep. She has served as president, secretary and historian of her 4-H club. Scott has participated in her county 4-H council.

“4-H has helped show me the importance of helping others and the community,” said Scott. “4-H is a great way to help prepare for job interviews and meeting new people.”

Boone County 4-H’er Braeden Weyhrich, Boone, has received a state 4-H dog project award. Weyhrich, 16, is the daughter of Roger and Lori Weyhrich.

A seven-year member of 4-H, Weyhrich has completed projects on dog, horse, visual art, photography and citizenship. She has served as secretary, historian and reporter for her 4-H club. Weyhrich has participated in her county 4-H council and county youth committee.

“4-H has helped me gain communication, citizenship and leadership skills that I probably couldn’t have gained anywhere else,” said Weyhrich. “In addition, 4-H provides me with multiple opportunities to showcase my art, a field which I would like to pursue as a career.”

Boone County 4-H’er Emma Whalen, Pilot Mound, has received a state 4-H communication project award. Whalen, 16, is a junior at Southeast Webster Grand.

An eight-year member of 4-H, Whalen has completed projects on leadership, citizenship, communication, rabbit and dog. She has served as president, vice president and treasurer of her 4-H club. Whalen has participated in her county 4-H council, Citizenship-Washington Focus, the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference, state 4-H council and National 4-H Congress.

“4-H has influenced me in so many ways,” said Whalen. “I will be forever grateful for the individuals who give their time and talents to provide these 4-H opportunities.”

Buena Vista

Buena Vista County 4-H’er Anna Marie Ehlers, Storm Lake, received a state 4-H food and nutrition project award. Ehlers, 16, is the daughter of Brent and Carol Ehlers.

A seven-year member of 4-H, Ehlers has completed projects on beef, communications, food and nutrition, leadership and citizenship. She has served as secretary, reporter and photographer of her 4-H club. Ehlers has participated in her county 4-H council, the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference and the 4-H Exchange program as a host of a Japanese 4-H’er.

“4-H has allowed me to gradually learn how to be leader, how to plan for serving my community and how to learn about different content areas ranging from photography, to clothing selection, to art exhibits,” said Ehlers.

Calhoun

Calhoun County 4-H’er Olivia Hanlon, Churdan, received a state 4-H child development project award. Hanlon, 15, is the daughter of Eugenia Hamilton.

A six-year member of 4-H, Hanlon has completed projects on child development, horses, home improvement, photography and self-development. She has served as treasurer, vice president and president of her 4-H club. Hanlon has participated in her county 4-H council.

“4-H has given me the opportunity to learn and grow with the support of caring adults that have been willing to help me over the years,” said Halon. “I have learned the importance of setting goals and of asking questions.”

A nine-year member of 4-H, Hanlon has completed projects on child development, leadership, citizenship, sheep and sewing. She has served as president and historian of her 4-H club. Hanlon has participated in her county 4-H council, Citizenship-Washington Focus, National 4-H Conference and National 4-H Congress.

“I have gained many skills through 4H, but leadership is the most important one,” said Hanlon. “Leadership is very important and will be essential throughout the rest of my life.”

Carroll

Carroll County 4-H’er Beth Pottroff, Glidden, received a state 4-H photography project award. Pottroff, 17, is the daughter of Dan and Denise Pottroff.

A nine-year member of 4-H, Pottroff has completed projects in photography, visual arts, food and nutrition, horticulture and citizenship. She has served as president, treasurer and secretary of her 4-H club. Pottroff has participated in her county 4-H council, state 4-H council, 4-H Gala and the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference.

Cherokee

Cherokee County 4-H’er Clare Conley, Cherokee, received a state 4-H swine project award. Conley, 14, is the daughter of Bonni Conley.

A six-year member of 4-H, Conley has completed projects on swine, food and nutrition, horse and pony, sheep and home improvement. She has served as the secretary of her 4-H club. Conley has participated in the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference.

“4-H has helped me understand the importance of hard work, research, communication, leadership, community service and citizenship,” said Conley.

Crawford

Crawford County 4-H’er Anna Baughman, Denison, received a state 4-H citizenship project award. Baughman, 18, is the daughter of Tim and Alice Baughman.

A nine-year member of 4-H, Baughman has completed projects on clothing, communications, breeding and market sheep, dairy goats and citizenship. She has served as president, treasurer and historian of her 4-H club. Baughman has participated in her county 4-H council and the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference.

“4-H has taught me to be humble in my successes and hopeful in my losses,” said Baughman. “College life will definitely be an adjustment, but I am confident that my 4-H experiences like meeting new people, staying at camps and having to introduce myself will be great skills to guide me in this next chapter of life.”

Dallas

Dallas County 4-H’er Emma Skahill, Earlham, received a state 4-H communication project award. Skahill, 17, is the daughter of Eldonna Skahill.

An eight-year member of 4-H, Skahill has completed projects on food and nutrition, citizenship, communications, leadership and photography. She has served as president, secretary, and calendar/planning committee member. Skahill has participated in the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference and state 4-H council.

“4-H has helped me become the person I am today,” said Skahill. “It has taught me life-long skills, and has also taught me about whom I am as a person.”

Hamilton

Hamilton County 4-H’er Ryan Godfredsen, Webster City, received a state 4-H leadership project award. Godfredsen, 17, is the son of Ron and Renee Godfredsen.

A nine-year member of 4-H, Godfredsen has completed projects on woodworking, refinishing, sheep, horses and calves. He has served as president, secretary and reporter of his 4-H club. Godfredsen has participated in his county youth committee, area 4-H county council, and Citizen-Washington Focus.

“4-H has given me the opportunity to become someone who I am very proud to be,” said Godfredsen. “It has helped me to become a better person and give life a new look.”

Hamilton County 4-H’er Tanner Hild, Webster City, received a state 4-H sheep project award. Hild, 18, is the son of Mark and Nancy Hild.

A nine-year member of 4-H, Hild has completed projects on sheep, pigs, cattle and chickens. He has served as president, vice president and secretary of his 4-H club. Hild has participated in his county 4-H council and area 4-H council.

“4-H has given me the edge over many people for my area of study,” said Hild. “I have found something that I truly love, and it’s something that I will do for the rest of my life.”

Hamilton County 4-H’er Jenna Short, Webster City, received a state 4-H communication award. Short, 17, is the daughter of Sherry and Lynn Leksell.

An eight-year member of 4-H, Short has completed projects on food and nutrition, communication, photography, rabbits and leadership. She has served as the reporter of her 4-H club. Short has participated in her county 4-H council and the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference.

“4-H has opened up new, awesome opportunities for me,” said Short. “This experience has given me confidence in the classroom, on stage, on committees and in life.”

Hamilton County 4-H’er Olivia Young, Webster City, received a state 4-H dog project award. Young, 17, is the daughter of Mitch and Colleen Young.

A seven-year member of 4-H, Young has completed projects in dog, photography, citizenship, leadership and visual arts. She has served as president, secretary and treasurer of her 4-H club. Young has participated in her county 4-H council, Citizenship-Washington Focus, state 4-H council and National 4-H Congress.

“4-H has afforded me many opportunities that have enabled me to develop several important life skills,” said Young. “I have polished my citizenship, communication, leadership, organizational and social skills by participating in many 4-H activities.”

Howard

Howard County 4-H’er Rachel Stika, Clesco, received a state 4-H leadership project award. Stika, 17, is the daughter of Ron and Elaine Stika.

A nine-year member of 4-H, Stika has completed projects on leadership, communication, citizenship, horse and beef. She has served as president, secretary and treasurer of her 4-H club. Stika has participated in her county 4-H council and county youth committee.

“My experiences in 4-H have impacted my life tremendously,” said Stika. “I’ve gained confidence in myself, learned life skills in the agricultural field and obtained leadership skills that will be helpful in my future career of being a veterinarian.”

Johnson

Johnson County 4-H’er Kelsey Beasley, Iowa City, received a state 4-H health project award. Beasley, 16, is the daughter of John and Ronda Beasley.

An eight-year member of 4-H, Beasley has completed projects on health, food and nutrition, photography, consumer management and visual arts. She has served as president, treasurer, and junior vice president of her 4-H club. Beasley has participated in her county 4-H council, county youth committee, and the Citizenship-Washington Focus.

“4-H has helped me realize how much I can influence someone,” said Beasley. “It has inspired me to become an elementary school teacher.”

Johnson County 4-H’er Rachel M. Haugland, Solon, received a state 4-H horticulture project award. Haugland, 17, is the daughter of Brett and Lisa Haugland.

An eight-year member of 4-H, Haugland has completed projects on rabbits, dogs, food and nutrition, horticulture and photography. She has served as president, vice president and historian of her 4-H club. Hauglan has participated in her county 4-H council, National 4-H Congress, and the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference.

“My involvement in 4-H has challenged me to grow in my communications, citizenship and leadership skills,” said Haugland. “Through 4-H I have found my passion for horticulture and food and nutrition.”

Linn

Linn County 4-H’er Paul Elliott, Anamosa, received a state 4-H leadership project award. Elliott, 18, is the son of Jill Elliott.

A nine-year member of 4-H, Elliott has completed projects on communication, child development, music, citizenship and home improvement. He has served as president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, historian and recreational leader of his 4-H club. Elliott has participated in his county 4-H council, county youth committee, area 4-H council, state 4-H council, national 4-H congress, national 4-H technology team and the Iowa 4-H technology team.

“Through my experiences in 4-H I have made the best better in my state,” Elliott said. “Tireless hours of workshops, presentations and seeking advice from my fellow 4-H’ers is what brought me here today.”

Linn County 4-H’er Austin Himes, Central City, received a state 4-H sheep project award. Himes, 18, is the son of Denise Guy-Himes.

A nine-year member of 4-H, Himes has completed projects on sheep, poultry, rabbits, cattle and photography. He has served as president, vice president and treasurer of his 4-H club. Himes has participated in his county 4-H council.

“Being a member of 4-H has been one of the best decisions I have made,” said Himes. “4-H has played an important role in my life, and all of my experiences showing have influenced who I am today.”

Marion

Marion County 4-H’er Attylissa Bailey, Hamilton, received a state 4-H poultry award. Bailey, 16, is the daughter of Ryan and Allyson Bailey.

A seven-year member of 4-H, Bailey has completed projects on poultry, food and nutrition, ag and natural resources, photography and horticulture. She has served as secretary, vice president, and president of her 4-H club. Bailey has participated in her county 4-H council.

“Being involved with 4-H has helped me to become a more confident person, whether that be while showing livestock, being interviewed for awards, or serving on communities,” said Bailey.

Madison

Madison County 4-H’er Shelby Dunbar, Van Meter, received a state 4-H communication project award. Dunbar, 16, is the daughter of Wayne and Kim Dunbar.

A seven-year member of 4-H, Dunbar has completed projects on horse, rabbit, communication, food and nutrition, clothing, and photography. She has served as reporter and recreation of her 4-H club. Dunbar has participated in her county 4-H council and the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference.

“4-H has influenced me to be more active in my community,” said Dunbar.

Muscatine

Muscatine County 4-H’er Caleb Anderson, West Liberty, received a state 4-H science, engineering and technology award. Anderson, 16, is the son of Robynn and Jerry Anderson.

A seven-year member of 4-H, Anderson has completed projects on robotics, beef, food and nutrition, entomology and woodworking. He has served as president, treasurer and reporter of his 4-H club. Anderson has participated in his county 4-H council and the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference.

“My robotics project has given me skills that I could only acquire through 4-H,” said Anderson.

O’Brien

O’Brien County 4-H’er Krayton Schnepf, Granville, received a state 4-H leadership project award. Schnepf, 16, is the daughter of Richard and Sharon Schnepf.

A seven-year member of 4-H, Schnepf has completed projects on communication, personal development, goats, photography and home improvement. She has served as historian, treasurer and reporter of her 4-H club. Schnepf has participated in her county 4-H council, Citizenship-Washington Focus and the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference.

“Through the opportunities 4-H has given me, I have met so many friends, made a lot of memories and become an all-around better person,” said Schnepf. “4-H has taught me to set goals, and that while it may take time to reach them, it will always be worth it.”

Polk

Polk County 4-H’er Rebecca Osthus, Des Moines, received a state 4-H citizenship project award. Osthus, 15, is the daughter of Larry and Jodi Osthus.

A six-year member of 4-H, Osthus has completed projects on communication, health, food and nutrition, citizenship and home improvement. She has served as president and vice president of her 4-H club. Osthus has participated in her county 4-H council.

“4-H has helped me become more outgoing,” said Osthus. “It allows me to explore all of my possibilities and it opens many opportunities for growth.”

Poweshiek

Poweshiek County 4-H’er Catelyn Graham, Grinnell, received a state 4-H leadership project award. Graham, 17, is the daughter of Tom and Jeri Graham.

An eight-year member of 4-H, Graham has completed projects on leadership, photography, beef, communications and citizenship. She has served as president, secretary and photographer of her 4-H club. Graham has participated in her county 4-H council and Citizenship-Washington Focus.

“I have gained knowledge and skills through my 4-H experience that will equip me to be a leader in my community,” said Graham. “I have gained confidence and self-esteem to be an effective leader.”

Poweshiek County 4-H’er Christian Graham, Grinnell, received a state 4-H beef project award. Graham, 17, is the son of Tom and Jeri Graham.

An eight-year member of 4-H, Graham has completed projects in beef, communications, veterinary science and technology, citizenship and welding. He has served as treasurer, core development team member and photographer of his 4-H clubs. Graham has participated in his county 4-H council and the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference.

“Through 4-H I have learned the importance of setting goals, developing a plan, setting a deadline and evaluating the process and the result,” said Graham. “I believe much is learned from failures as well as success.”

Sac

Sac County 4-H’er Grace Feilmeier, Early, received a state 4-H communication project award. Feilmeier, 18, is the daughter of Dale and Mary Feilmeier.

A nine-year member of 4-H, Feilmeier has completed projects on citizenship, communication, leadership, clothing and photography. She has served as president, vice president and secretary of her 4-H club. Feilmeier has participated in her county 4-H council, Iowa 4-H Youth Conference, state 4-H council and National 4-H Congress.

“Being involved with 4-H has truly helped shape me into the person I am today,” said Feilmeier. “It has given me citizenship, leadership and communication skills that I will use for the rest of my life.”

Sac County 4-H’er Aubrey Houska, Sac City, received a state leadership project award. Houska, 17, is the daughter of Pete and Nancy Houska.

A nine-year member of 4-H, Houska has completed projects on swine, citizenship, food and nutrition, clothing and leadership. She has served as president and vice-president of her 4-H club. Houska has participated in her county 4-H council, county youth committee, state 4-H council, and the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference.

“Without 4-H I wouldn’t have the skills I have today,” said Houska. “4-H has helped me in many ways and will help me in the future with interviewing and other things that I will encounter.”

Sac County 4-H’er Alex Pickhinke, Early, received a state 4-H woodworking project award. Pickhinke, 16, is the son of Steve and Tracy Pickhinke.

A seven-year member of 4-H, Pickhinke has completed projects on woodworking, leadership, food and nutrition, beef, communication, clothing and citizenship. Pickhinke has served as Relay for Life Games chairperson and egg-hunt chairperson of his 4-H club. Pickhinke has participated in his county 4-H council, state 4-H council, and the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference.

“4-H has helped me to excel in many areas,” said Pickhinke. “It has also helped me to pick a few colleges now that I know what I want to do in the future.”

Sac County 4-H’er Tyler Pickhinke, Early, received a state 4-H citizenship project award. Pickhinke, 18, is the son of Steve and Tracy Pickhinke.

A nine-year member of 4-H, Pickhinke has completed projects in leadership, communication, citizenship, visual arts and beef. He has served as vice president and treasurer of his 4-H club. Pickhinke has participated in his county 4-H council, the Iowa 4-H Technology Team, Iowa 4-H Youth Conference, National 4-H Conference, state 4-H council and National 4-H Congress.

“4-H has given me the opportunities to explore possible careers and figure out what I want to do for a career,” said Pickhinke. “This has helped me decide to serve in the U.S. Air Force as an officer to lead others and serve my country.”

Story

Story County 4-H’er Caleb Lichty, Ames, received a state 4-H photography project award. Lichty, 16, is the son of Tiffany Lichty-Gaffey and Greg Gaffey.

An eight-year member of 4-H, Lichty has completed projects on photography, visual arts, woodworking, home improvement and food and nutrition. He has served as president, vice president and historian of his 4-H club.

“I believe 4-H has provided me opportunities to develop leadership and communication skills that will be beneficial in college and beyond,” said Lichty. “4-H has given me a platform to develop my photography skills to a level I could not have attained otherwise as a high-school student.”

Story County 4-H’er Lydia Richards, Nevada, received a state 4-H music project award. Richards, 18, is the daughter of Tom and Nancy Richards.

An eight-year member of 4-H, Richards has completed projects in music, communication, home improvement, food and nutrition and photography. She has served as president, photographer and secretary of her 4-H club. Richards has participated in the Citizenship-Washington Focus.

“4-H has taught me to use my head, heart, hands and health to serve others,” said Richards. “In the future, I can use these skills in my education, job and volunteer opportunities.”

Van Buren

Van Buren County 4-H’er Grace Westercamp, Farmington, received a state 4-H communication project award. Westercamp, 16, is the daughter of Steven and Christine Westercamp.

A seven-year member of 4-H, Westercamp has completed projects on communication, rabbit, photography, visual arts and child development. She has served as president, secretary and historian of her 4-H club. Westercamp has participated in her county 4-H council, the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference, National 4-H Conference, and state 4-H council.

“4-H has helped me immensely by giving me the opportunity to develop valuable skills I will be using throughout my life,” said Westercamp. “Through 4-H I have discovered some of my passions and my participation has greatly affected my plans for the future.”

Warren

Warren County 4-H’er Hannah McCoy, Hartford, received a state 4-H food and nutrition project award. McCoy, 14, is the daughter of Tim and Kathy McCoy.

An eight-year member of 4-H, McCoy has completed projects on food and nutrition, photography, leadership, communication and citizenship. She has served as president, vice president and historian of her 4-H club. McCoy has participated in her county 4-H council.

“4-H has taken me from being the learner to being the teacher,” said McCoy. “I have learned to be confident and more outgoing, and I credit 4-H for that.”

Washington:

Washington County 4-H’er Kaitlin Hora, Ainsworth, received a state 4-H health project award. Hora, 17, is the daughter of Brian and Theresa Hora.

An eight-year member of 4-H, Hora has completed projects on health, food and nutrition, clothing, communication and visual arts. She has served as secretary, treasurer and reporter of her 4-H club. Hora has participated in her county 4-H council and the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference.

“4-H has helped me work towards accomplishing goals and becoming a better leader,” said Hora. “The health project has allowed me to explore my interests in this area.”

Washington County 4-H’er Madeline Hora, Ainsworth, received a state 4-H leadership project award. Hora, 18, is the daughter of Brian and Theresa Hora.

A nine-year member of 4-H, Hora has completed projects on music, communication, food and nutrition, self-determined and leadership. She has served as president, vice president and secretary of her 4-H club. Hora has participated in her county 4-H council, state 4-H council and the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference.

“4-H has given me numerous opportunities in my club, county and at the state level,” said Hora. “I have met many lifelong friends through 4-H and it has helped me achieve my dreams.”

Washington County 4-H’er Lindsey Palmer, Keota, received a state 4-H rabbit project award. Palmer, 15, is the daughter of James and Donna Palmer.

A six-year member of 4-H, Palmer has completed projects on rabbit, gardening, food and nutrition, leadership and citizenship. She has served as treasurer, secretary, and historian of her 4-H club.

“Being involved in 4-H has helped my leadership skills, and my public speaking skills,” said Palmer. “4-H has taught me about my responsibilities for raising livestock.”

Washington County 4-H’er Hannah Van Roekel, Wellman, received a state 4-H sheep project award. Van Roekel, 15, is the daughter of Marty and Marianne Van Roekel.

A seven-year member of 4-H, Van Roekel has completed projects in sheep, communication, food and nutrition, goats and poultry. She has served as president, treasurer and reporter of her 4-H club.

“4-H has been a great opportunity for me, and has greatly impacted who I am today,” said Van Roekel. “I have learned life skills that I will take with me forever.”

Webster

Webster County 4-H’er Rebecca Nellis, Fort Dodge, received a state 4-H food and nutrition project award. Nellis, 17, is the daughter of Jeff and Ruth Nellis.

A nine-year member of 4-H, Nellis has completed projects on citizenship, leadership, communication, clothing and food and nutrition. She has served as president, vice president, and secretary of her 4-H club. Nellis has participated in her county 4-H council, county youth committee, Citizenship-Washington Focus, state 4-H council, National 4-H Congress, and the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference.

“Someday, I would like to become a 4-H leader to give back to the program that made me who I am today,” said Nellis.

Woodbury

Woodbury County 4-H’er Emily Dawn Widman, Sergeant Bluff, received a state 4-H citizenship project award. Widman, 18, is the daughter of David and Elizabeth Widman.

An eight-year member of 4-H, Widman has completed projects on fashion review, poultry, beef, sewing and visual arts. She has served as president and vice president of her 4-H clubs. Widman has participated in her county 4-H council and county youth committee.

“4-H has been a very positive experience for me,” said Widman. “It has given me the confidence that I can achieve the future goals I have set for my life.”

Worth

Worth County 4-H’er Vivian Benjegerdes, Mason City, received a state 4-H clothing project award. Benjegerdes, 15, is the daughter of Karl and Tina Benjegerdes.

A seven-year member of 4-H, Benjegerdes has completed projects on swine, clothing, food and nutrition, communication and citizenship. She has served as secretary and reporter of her 4-H club. Benjegerdes has participated in her county 4-H council and the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference.

“Because of 4-H, I am an effective communicator, an involved citizen, and a positive leader,” said Benjegerdes. “4-H has given me the awesome opportunity of learning by doing.”

Worth County 4-H’er Rori Bowman, Lake Mills, received a state 4-H sewing and needle arts project award. Bowman, 15, is the daughter of Richard and Rachel Bowman.

A five-year member of 4-H, Bowman has completed projects on sewing and needle art, food and nutrition, visual arts, communication and photography. She has served as historian, photographer, and vice president of her 4-H club. Bowman has participated in her county 4-H council and the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference.

“4-H has helped make me a better person,” said Bowman. “Through 4-H, I have learned different meanings of the word leadership.”

Worth County 4-H’er Matt Moretz, Manly, received a state 4-H citizenship project award. Moretz, 16, is the son of Paul and Connie Moretz.

A seven-year member of 4-H, Moretz has completed projects on woodworking, science, photography and metal work. He has participated in his county 4-H council, Citizenship-Washington Focus and the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference.

“I believe 4-H gives youth, like myself, a stable foundation for life after high school and college,” said Moretz. “4-H has influenced me by giving me many opportunities to learn and to teach.”